Fans Deliver Verdict: Lando Norris Deserving 2025 F1 World Champion

A clear majority of Formula 1 fans believe Lando Norris was the deserving winner of the 2025 World Championship, according to a reader poll. Norris clinched his first title in a tense Abu Dhabi finale, securing the podium finish he needed to edge out a charging Max Verstappen by a mere two points after 24 rounds.

Why it matters:

The debate over a 'deserving' champion goes to the heart of Formula 1's identity: is it purely about the driver with the most points, or the one perceived as the 'best' performer? This season's dramatic, multi-cornered fight—featuring a strong challenge from Oscar Piastri and a monumental comeback effort from Verstappen—has reignited that classic discussion, with fan sentiment largely siding with the new champion.

The details:

The poll, which garnered nearly 5,000 votes, presented a decisive result:

• 56% voted that Norris was the deserving champion.
• 27% believed Verstappen, who won the most races, was more worthy.
• 17% felt the title should have gone to Piastri, who led the championship for more rounds than any other driver.

Fan commentary revealed nuanced perspectives on the season's outcome. Many acknowledged Verstappen's sheer performance level, with one reader stating, "He was the best driver over the course of the season by a wide margin." However, the consensus leaned towards the idea that F1 rewards the best driver-car package, not just raw talent. As another comment summarized, "Lando may have the trophy but that doesn't mean he deserved it. I suspect Lando will also join Keke as a one off WDC winner," referencing Keke Rosberg's 1982 title win with only one race victory.

The big picture:

The 2025 season was defined by its volatility. McLaren started strong with Piastri, faced a mid-season surge from Red Bull and Verstappen, and required Norris to deliver under immense pressure in the final rounds. Critics pointed to team errors and Piastri's own stumbles—like a sprint race collision in COTA and a disqualification in Las Vegas—as reasons the title fight was even close. Ultimately, Norris's ability to "lift his mental game," as one fan noted, and string together strong performances when it counted sealed the championship.

What's next:

Norris enters the history books as a first-time World Champion, a milestone that forever changes a driver's career. The debate over his worthiness, however, is a staple of F1 and will continue in forums and fan discussions. All eyes now turn to 2026, where Norris will defend his crown against a motivated Verstappen, a hungry Piastri, and a grid reshaped by new regulations, ensuring the philosophical question of who is the 'right' champion will have a new context next season.